Tips on supporting your memory – Memory Assessment and Management Service – Educational Group
The Memory Assessment and Management Service provide a range of intervention groups. If one is suitable for you, one of our clinicians will discuss this you, and refer you to the group, if appropriate. If you are unable to attend, this resources may be helpful to you and your carers.
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Tips on supporting your memory
This leaflet aims to provide quick advice on what you can do to with regards to common problems people with a memory problem commonly develop.
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Memory problems
What might help
1. Have a routine
2. Keep items in the same place, e.g. keys, glasses
3. Take notes, e.g. use shopping lists
4. Use memory aids – diaries, post-it notes, calendars, notice
boards
5. Repeat information
6. Use prompts and cues -
Difficulties with reading and writing
What might help
1. Ask family to read things out.
2. Offer help to write e.g. cards. -
Difficulties finding words or understanding speech
What might help
1. Give yourself extra time to respond
2. Use non-verbal communication: gestures, pointing, showing
3. Make use of pictures
4. For family – try to talk slowly and clearly!
5. Rephrase questions, make them simpler
6. Try not to answer for the person -
Difficulties recognising objects, colours etc
What might help
1. Good organisation – keep things in the same place if
possible
2. Good contrast and lighting; make sure things you
need stand out eg dark crockery on a white tablecloth
3. Use other senses and find non-visual activities eg
describe things to the person, singing and dancing are
good activities
4. For family – give the person more time to see and
adjust -
Difficulties dressing, judging distances, recognising people
What might help
1. Get help with sequencing tasks (do things step by step,
e.g. dressing)
2. Focus on the steps involved in a task and not on the end
result
3. For family – give the person more time, use gentle guiding,
give reminders -
Difficulties with problem solving and distractibility
What might help
1. Do one task at a time
2. Break down tasks step by step, allow more time
3. Reduce distractions to help focus attention eg remove
background noise eg TV, radio or other conversations
4. Help the person to get started by providing prompts and
setting things out eg put items required for preparing a
meal out in order
5. You can use written instructions -
Difficulties controlling emotions or behaviour
What might help
1. Family to remember that this might be related to the
dementia and not done on purpose.
2. Someone may be feeling sad or frustrated because of their
memory problems and it may help to talk about this.
3. If a task is getting you all worked up (you or your carer),
have a break if possible, and return to it later when
feeling calmer. This is more likely to be successful. -
General tips
If you have a memory illness, make sure you…
– Keep doing things you enjoy;
– Socialise, have fun and are active!
– Look after your health and your diet;
– Try not to get embarrassed if you forget something;
– Talk to others if you notice that you are becoming low in
mood or anxious;
– Do one thing at a time and break tasks down;
– Take your time – there is no need to hurry;
– Don’t be too hard on yourself;
– Focus on enjoyment and participation rather than
achievement;
– Identify which time of day is best for you.For family and friends, make sure you…
– Also keep doing activities you enjoy – you need to look
after yourself;
– Find ways to support the memory problems, but do not take
over;
– You can help your loved one by starting an activity;
– You could help by demonstrating and supporting through
difficult parts;
– Take a team approach and do tasks together;
– Maybe join a carers group – it can be good to get more
support. -
Information about content, other formats and version control
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Published by the Patient Information Centre
2024 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref, PIC/842/0124 January 2024 V2
www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2027
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